Honda drives Japan to famous win over Cameroon

A first-half goal from Keisuke Honda gave Japan a surprise victory over a disappointing Cameroon side in Group E of the World Cup.

Japan’s Keisuke Honda (centre) celebrates his goal against Cameroon

In a hugely underwhelming game in Bloemfontein, a solitary goal followed by a disciplined rearguard action saw the Asian side upset the odds to claim a famous win.

A lifeless first half – ruined by two overly-conservative teams and a whistle-happy referee – saw very little in the way of action until the 39th minute when Honda gave the Asian side a surprise lead.

A deep cross from the right from Daisuki Matsui evaded two Cameroon defenders to find the Japanese forward unmarked at the back post, where he took a touch and fired home at the goalkeeper’s near post.

The organised Japanese defence continued to keep the West African side at bay in the second half, although Cameroon looked to have much more urgency about them.

And Samuel Eto’o – who had been virtually anonymous before the break – produced a sublime bit of skill to evade three defenders and carve out a good chance for team-mate Eric Choupo-Moting, who fired wastefully wide.

As the game wore on Japan began dropping deeper and deeper in the hope of holding on for the three points.

Their clearances grew more panicked by the minute as Cameroon resorted to long balls in an attempt to break down the Japanese.

However, the closest they came to unlocking the defence was a superb long-range effort from StephaneMbia which cannoned back off the crossbar with the goalkeeper well beaten.

Shinji Okazaki had a chance to put the game beyond Cameroon, but he was flagged offside as his powerful effort hit the post.

The win means Japan claim their first ever victory on foreign soil at a World Cup finals, and take second place in the group behind the Netherlands after the first round of games.

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